Station Calumet Harbor rescues 11 after boat hits breakwall

CLEVELAND — A U.S. Coast Guard boatcrew from Station Calumet Harbor, Ill., saved six children and five adults after the boat they were on struck the Calumet Harbor breakwall near Chicago and sank Sunday night.

A boatcrew from Station Calumet Harbor launched in a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, immediately after learning of the accident at 10:30 p.m. CST.

When the Coast Guardsmen arrived on scene, they found all 11 people standing on the breakwall with their life jackets on.

The boatcrew brought the individuals aboard the RB-M and took them to Station Calumet Harbor. Emergency medical technicians evaluated all 11 people once ashore, and transported one to a local hospital for treatment of a reported back injury.

The mariners were reportedly transiting from the Chicago River to Hammond Marina in Hammond, Ind., when the accident occured.

The cause of the accident is unknown. The identities of the boaters are not being released.

The Coast Guard recommends mariners become familiar with the waters in which they operate, especially in times of low light and limited visibility, and always carry nautical charts for reference.